LETTERS FROM CAMP: "The first cut is the cheapest..."

"Goodbye pal... And yeah, He's cool."



PLAYERS CUT, PUNS TO GO UNUSED
A sad day for four young men as Toronto FC made their first four cuts of pre-season today. Sadder still is the effect it will have on blogs as some quality nicknames will forever go stale in Toronto. Cut from the 42 man training camp conundrum are:
　
NICKARDO BLAKE
Position: D
Lost Nickname: Nicky Nickardo
　
MYKELL BATES
Position: D
Lost Nickname: The Master
　
ARTUR IVO
Position: MF
Lost Nickname: Dr. Ivo
　
MIKE MAZZULLO
Position: MF
Lost Nickname: MixMaster MikeMazzullo
　
This leaves only one remaining Supplemental Draft pick left in camp, Michael "Mint" Green, with the remaining unsigned trainees being Academy products. With four spots expected to be filled before the season begins, the likelihood of some new homegrown professionals has increased.
　
THE 1812'er? (WE WERE AHEAD OF OUR TIME!)
That top-notch, success-driven organization The Canadian Soccer Association made a few major announcements last night in Toronto. First on the menu was the official announcement that all of the next round of Canada's WC 2014 qualifying would take place at BMO Field much to the chagrin of Canadian football supporters in other parts of the country (rhymes with blank hoover). In reply, Toronto-based supporters were quoted "Meh. Astroturf.... 12 hour flights.... What is this other part of Canada you speak of?"
　
Part of the BMO Field extravaganza will also include a summer friendly with the USA which will officially celebrate the CSA's 100th Anniversary (so many World Cup to show for it!) and inadvertently, the War of 1812 which celebrates its 200th Birthday this year. Well done War - you don't look a day over 150 - thanks for Laura Secord. During these matches, Canada will be wearing its new Umbro kit also revealed last evening to roars of "it's ok I guess".